Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in healthcare by providing person-centred and high-quality care. Their contributions encompass enhanced accessibility to healthcare and reduced hospital admissions and cost-effectiveness. They usually hold a master's degree in nursing, incorporating expanded clinical skills to manage patients in different settings and address both nursing and medical needs. Despite the global development of the role, its implementation varies, presenting challenges related to role clarity, regulation and acceptance by other healthcare professionals. AIM: To explore how nurses who are or have been employed as NPs describe their experiences of transitioning to and working in the NP role in Sweden. DESIGN: A qualitative interview study. METHOD: This study explores the experiences of 15 NPs in Sweden, using a snowball sampling strategy and semi-structured interviews. The data were collected through interviews in April and May 2022 and analysed with inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: The present study explores the experiences of NPs as they transition from experienced nurses to NPs, emphasising motivations, educational challenges, acceptance and autonomy. Transitioning into the NP role initially brought isolation that evolved into acceptance. They recognised their strength in integrating medical and nursing competencies for holistic care. Leadership was pivotal, with managerial support crucial for the successful implementation of the role. Autonomy-related challenges, such as prescription rights and dependency on physicians, underscored the need for a protected professional title and national guidelines. CONCLUSION: This study enriches the evolution of the NP role in Sweden, offering vital insights into the ongoing national-level dialogues on NP role development in Sweden. IMPACT: The paper's relevance extends globally by providing valuable perspectives on NPs practicalities and fostering international understanding and advancement. REPORTING METHOD: Standards for reporting qualitative research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable.